Suit Challenges Court English-Only Rule

A suit challenging a Southeast District Municipal Court rule that court employees must speak only English at work has been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

In the civil action, Alva Gutierrez, a deputy clerk for the court, said the rule issued Nov. 15 has had the effect of "discriminating against non-white Hispanic persons, creating an atmosphere of racial and ethnic oppression."

Gutierrez, represented by feminist attorney Gloria Allred, named the County of Los Angeles and three judges as defendants.

The regulation is on the agenda of the Board of Supervisors Tuesday and is scheduled for a hearing by the county Civil Service Commission April 8.